Shakespeare

This series takes viewers on an enriching and entertaining “field trip for grown-ups” to some of the most intriguing cities in Europe and North America. Journalist Christine Van Blokland brings her passion and genuine curiosity about the arts, quirky characters, storytelling and lifelong learning to this new series. In each location, Christine explores the hidden histories in their art, architecture, museums, monuments, houses of worship and city parks.

Curious Copenhagen
Why did Shakespeare use Kronborg Castle as the setting for Hamlet? Why was picturesque Nyhavn the playground for sailors? Why so many palaces – Christiansborg Palace, Amalienborg Palace, Rosenborg Castle – in one small European country?

The lectrifying team of Vittorio Grigolo and Diana Damrau reunites for a new production by Bartlett Sher of Gounod’s opera, based on the Shakespeare play. Damrau makes her role debut as Juliette, Grigolo sings Romeo and Elliot Madore sings Mercutio. Gianandrea Noseda conducts.

From his roots as an activist and poet to his indelible mark on Broadway, this program captures the legacy of the man some call America’s Shakespeare. Film and theater luminaries such as James Earl Jones, Viola Davis, Phylicia Rashad, Laurence Fishburne, Charles Dutton and others share their stories of the career and experience of bringing Wilson’s rich theatrical voice to the stage. This film tells of his journey to the Great White Way, the triumphs and struggles along the path to such seminal works as Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Fences, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Piano Lesson and others before his death in 2005.

Join the first-ever scientific investigation of Shakespeare’s grave, which reveals fascinating new evidence about what lies beneath the infamous “curse stone” – a warning against any man who “moves [my] bones.”

In 2010, the home of Shakespeare – The Globe Theatre in London, England – issued a proclamation outlining the world’s biggest Shakespearean festival: 36 countries, 36 Shakespearean plays, 36 languages. New Zealand actor Rawiri Paratene answered the call and was given the honor of opening the festival. Spanning the twelve-week period before opening night, the film follows Rawiri as he forms his own company, Ngakau Toa, consisting of New Zealand’s best Maori actors, and their journey as they prepare to take their Maori adaption of William Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida to The Globe.

Star soprano Anna Netrebko delivers her searing portrayal of Lady Macbeth, the mad and murderous mate of Željko Lucic’s doomed Macbeth, for the first time at the Met. Adrian Noble’s chilling production of Verdi’s masterful adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy also stars Joseph Calleja as the noble Macduff and René Pape as Banquo. Fabio Luisi conducts.

Hugh Bonneville started his career as an understudy for Ralph Fiennes inA Midsummer Night’s Dreamat the Open Air Theatre in London’s Regent’s Park. He revisits the theatre where his love for Shakespeare blossomed and catches up with Ralph to talk about why the play has enduring appeal. Interviews include David Walliams and Sheridan Smith.

Actor Christopher Plummer originally played the role of King Lear under the direction of Sir Jonathan Miller, who has directed the play six times. Plummer explores how the work might have been staged during Shakespeare’s time, and acclaimed actors Sir Ian McKellen and Simon Russell Beale give their insight into playing the part of the troubled king.

David Suchet embarks on a journey to learn more about the woman who created Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, and whose books remain outsold only by Shakespeare and the Bible. His journey takes him to the places Christie lived, the landscapes that inspired her and to meetings with people who knew the woman behind the fame and those inspired by her extraordinary legacy.